Understanding nbn Traffic Class 4 (TC-4): A Comprehensive Guide

By Chris Ikimis-Healey

The National Broadband Network (nbn) categorises data traffic for service providers (such as Spintel) into three different classes to optimise performance for various applications. These classifications help businesses and residential users choose the service that best matches their specific requirements.

What are nbn Traffic Classes?

Nbn traffic classes prioritise different types of data for speed, reliability, and performance:

TC1 – For real-time applications like VoIP with low latency. Designed to make professional voice communications seamless and cost-effective.

TC2 – Provides high performance and stable speeds for business applications.

TC4 – The standard broadband option for homes and small businesses. Suitable for non-business critical data applications.

Why Does nbn Use Different Traffic Classes?

Business and consumer users have varying internet needs. While some require ultra-reliable, low-latency connections, others only need lower-performing, cost-effective options. The traffic class system ensures that each user can access a service that’s best suited to their requirements, at the right price.

Definition and Purpose of TC4

Nbn TC4 is the most common traffic class, designed for general, everyday internet use. It provides “best-effort” performance, meaning speed and reliability may fluctuate based on network congestion.

How TC4 Compares to Other Traffic Classes

Compared to nbn TC1 and nbn TC2, nbn TC4 offers lower performance but is more affordable.

TC4 is intended for the small business and consumer markets and supports general internet activities, such as web browsing and streaming.

Key Features of TC4

Asymmetrical Download and Upload Speeds

Most nbn TC4 plans feature higher download than upload speeds, which is suitable for streaming and browsing but may be limiting for cloud computing and VoIP.

Best-Effort Performance – What It Means For Users

TC4 operates on a ‘best-effort’ basis, meaning a certain level of performance cannot always be guaranteed, with speeds varying depending on network congestion, particularly during peak hours.

Availability Across Different NBN Technologies

TC4 is widely available across multiple nbn technologies, ensuring accessibility for most households and businesses.

NBN Technologies That Support TC4

TC4 is supported across a wide range of nbn connection types:

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) – Higher performance than traditional copper cabling, with potential for gigabit speeds.

Fibre to the Node (FTTN) – Utilises copper wiring from the street to your premises, leading to variable speeds.

Fibre to the Basement (FTB) – Common in apartment buildings, offering stable performance.

Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) – Provides slightly improved speeds compared to FTTN.

Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) – Uses existing Pay TV or cable networks to complete the connection for strong performance.

Fixed Wireless & Sky Muster™ Satellite – Available in regional and remote areas but subject to limitations (for example, obstacles such as tall buildings impacting connection strength in the case of fixed wireless, and high latency due to the long distance the signal has to travel in terms of satellite connectivity).

Best Use Cases for TC4

General Internet Browsing and Streaming

TC4 is ideal for common, non-critical online activities such as updating socials, streaming, and browsing.

Residential and Small Business Applications

Households and small businesses typically use nbn TC4 for email, video conferencing, and cloud-based applications.

Online Gaming and VoIP Considerations

TC4 can support online gaming and VoIP, but network congestion may negatively impact performance, particularly during peak periods.

Impact of Asymmetrical Speeds on Business Applications

Businesses relying on frequent uploads, such as video production houses or those with a high volume of documents residing in the cloud, may find nbn TC4’s lower upload speeds limiting and too time-consuming.

Why TC4 May Not Be Ideal for Latency-Sensitive Tasks

Real-time applications, such as VoIP and financial trading, may suffer due to variable latency and congestion.

How Congestion Can Affect Performance

During peak times, speeds on TC4 services can slow down, affecting performance for users, who may, for example, experience dropouts and buffering during video conference calls.

When to Choose TC4 Over TC2 or TC1

Choose TC4 if you need an affordable broadband plan for general use.

Consider TC2 for more stable speeds and reliability.

Opt for TC1 if low latency is critical for your applications.

How to Assess Your Internet Needs

Evaluate your internet usage, the number of users and connected devices, and how reliable you need your speeds to be during peak internet traffic hours.

Consulting with an nbn Provider

Discuss your needs with an nbn provider, like SpinTel, to find the best plan for your home or business.

FAQs

What is the Difference Between nbn TC2 and TC4?

TC2 offers a higher performance and more stable speeds than nbn TC4, making it ideal for businesses requiring consistent, dependable performance.

How Do I Know if My Business Needs TC4?

If your business mainly uses the internet for browsing, emails, and video calls, TC4 will likely suffice. If in doubt, ask your ISP.

Can I Upgrade from Standard nbn to TC4?

Most nbn plans default to TC4, but you can upgrade to TC2 or TC1 for better performance, if necessary. At Spintel, our experts are available to advise you on which traffic class is right for you.

Which ISPs Offer nbn TC4 in Australia?

Most internet service providers, including SpinTel, offer TC4 plans.

Does nbn TC4 Guarantee Uptime?

No. TC4 operates on a ‘best-effort’ basis, meaning uptime is not guaranteed.

What Equipment is Required for TC4?

Standard nbn-compatible modems and routers are sufficient for TC4 connections.

Is TC4 Suitable for Cloud Computing?

It depends on usage. TC4 works for basic cloud storage but may not be ideal for large-scale time-sensitive data transfers.

How Does TC4 Handle Peak Usage Times?

Speeds may slow down during peak periods due to network congestion.

For more information on choosing the best nbn plan for your needs, visit SpinTel's NBN service page. To learn more about nbn traffic classes, check out NBN Co’s official website.